Best schools for those with so-so GPAs?

makingstrides · Nov 20, 2012

What prereqs have you completed so far? I just got accepted to Muhlenberg with a so- so GPA (3.4), but all but one of my prereqs are completed. I spent alot of money to apply here : $75 application fee/ $ 70 TEAS V test/ $20 TEAS test transcript sent to school / $ 150 "acceptance fee" once you get accepted into the program.

ebinbrooklyn · Nov 20, 2012

Everything (or at least that's how it feels)! A&P 1 and 2, Chem 1, Org Chem 1, Nutrition, Micro, Psych 101 and lifespan, stats, Bio 1 and 2. I really took a lot more than most places need but I had originally intended to go to Hunter. My only other problem is I started taking prereqs in 2006 and took them one at a time (so work would pay) so some of my credits are more than 5 years old...

For Muhlenberg, did you feel like a lot was weighted on TEAS?

ebinbrooklyn · Nov 21, 2012

Currently applying to accelerated BSN programs after graduating with a degree in Audiology from Brooklyn College, GPA 3.5. Had to do all my prereqs while working so my post-bacc GPA isn't amazing (3.2) but my NLNs were decent (150) and I have a ton of volunteer experience and worked as a CNA for 6 years. Currently studying for the TEAS as well, hoping that a good score on that will get me into Downstate.
I didn't get into Hunter or Stoneybrook for Spring 2012, so I'm refocusing and really pulling everything together for Fall 2013--I just don't want to get my heart broken again and I'm so frustrated that every school's requirement seems widely different in terms of prereqs. I know my GPA is going to knock me out of the running for most CUNY/SUNY programs, but where would you recommend that I actually have a fighting chance of getting in? So far on my short list: NYU, Concordia (I'm in pain over the $$$ for both those schools), Downstate, Muhlenberg/JFK (NJ), UMD NJ, Phillips BI and Molloy/College of New Rochelle as maybes. I don't want to waste my time/money applying anywhere that I'm just not going to get into--any thoughts from folks in the same position?

Just went and checked my most recent transcript, I'm actually at 3.35, not 3.2. Hopefully an A this semester will push me up to 3.4 - still not amazing, but BETTER than what I was working with before.

I also realized that I started taking classes in 2006, so some of my credits are more than 5 years old. I'm retaking a few that I did well on in the 90's so they'll be within the last five years, but I don't want to retake the ones I took in 2006! This whole process is so annoying

makingstrides · Nov 24, 2012

Applicants should study for the exam and try to achieve the target, or higher, score in each category. Applicants applying for the Accelerated or Pathways-to-BSN Tracks are expected to earn higher scores.Generic or LPN-to-RN Track applicants should earn 68 or higher in Reading and Math, 60 or higher in the English Language section and 50 or higher in the Science section.Accelerated or Pathways to BSN Track applicants should earn 75 or higher in Reading, Math and English Language; 68 or higher in the Science section.In addition to the TEAS score(s), each program's Admissions Committee will consider an applicant's academic record, particularly their recent high school and/or college grades, the quality of their written essay and their referencesI did okay on the Teas, I didnt study and my scores barely got me in. Here are Muhlenberg's Teas requirements:

smichaud · Nov 26, 2012

Hi ebinbrooklyn!Reading your message is as if you were telling my story. I was in your exact situation in june. I graduated in 2010 with a BA in bio and I applied to stonybrook and hunter as well as LIU brooklyn and downstate. I took the GRE and TEAS since every school has different requirements and a few pre reqs. I was waitlisted at stonybrook, but unfortunately i didnt get into any of them. I was torn. I felt like whats the point. But you just cant think like that. If this is what you want to you just have to keep trying. So I read forums n talked to professors and graduates. I came to the conclusionthat maybe it would be easier to get into the spring semester since a lot of people wait for the fall (maybe its them trying to finish pre reqs, idk) but it was just my logic i guess lol. So i re wrote my personal essay and poured my heart into it and got a really good recommendation. Looked up some new schools and applied to the "what the heck" schools like NYU ane Columbia thinking at least i know i tried :) i also applied to a new program at Utica College and some other school (Pace, binghamton, etc) and waited. I first heard back from utica. They were really nice and though they are new it seems like theyre program will be very successful (we'll see). I kind of had my decision set on them. Then i heared back from NYU which of course is at the top of my list. And i got in! The cost is heavy, i know but ill just have to try and work it out.Anyways Im just trying to say dont be down on yourself or feel hurt that you didnt in. Its the world we live in. Our grades arent all there is to us and schools know that. Take another look at your essay and make sure it really explains why you want to be a nurse. You are definitely qualified and any school would be lucky to have you. You just have to tell them. I wish you all the best in the future. Hope my story helped a little. Let me know if you have any question. I'll be happy to answer! :)

ebinbrooklyn · Nov 27, 2012

Thanks so much, everyone--smichaud, that's great advice and I'm going to follow it. It's just such a draining process. I'm definitely going to apply to NYU (even if the money makes me freak out) because I think I have a fighting chance of getting in there. And maybe ramping up my volunteering once classes are done to add to my resume (even if they probably weigh grades more heavily, it couldn't hurt). I've got one application into Downstate (not feeling hopeful I'll get in there), and the TEAS coming up in two weeks. I'll let you know how that goes. Would love to hear from anyone else in the application process dealing in the same boat